Mission Creek flows from the northeast part of Olympia into Budd Inlet along the southern border of Priest Point Park. Several natural processes in Mission Creek remain intact despite the high percentage of impervious area that may be associated with impairment. Gauging from the high biotic integrity as measured by macroinvertebrate diversity, urbanization has not significantly impaired the biotic processes in the stream. The headwater wetlands are under protection through the ownership of the City of Olympia. Stormwater impacts from residential development are unknown and needs assessment. The riparian areas in the lower reaches of the stream provide good shade, although the small number of pools indicates a lack of LWD recruitment. The mouth of the creek contains a fish passage barrier culvert. An abandoned roadbed across the mouth constricts tidal exchange and may limit salmonid rearing functions within the estuary.

WDFW historic fish spawning surveys have not observed fish in Mission Creek. Despite the apparent biotic health of the lower basin, the stream is relatively small and the potential fish use in this stream is unknown. The level of existing development in the Mission warrants primarily enhancement and protection actions rather than restoration and protection[1].

Much of the creek is private, urban residential development, while the City of Olympia owns both the headwater wetland and the downstream reach used by fish.

Description from the Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration Plan for Water Resource Inventory Area 13, Deschutes. For more information see the previously stated document or the Salmon Habitat Limiting Factors Final Report Water Resource Inventory Area 13